USH-Enews for April 24, 2008 Print Only Edition

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The USH-Enews is a weekly email newsletter produced for members and friends of the Unitarian Society of Hartford. The USH web address is: http://www.ushartford.com/ Check at the end of this USH-Enews for information on submissions, subscriptions and escape from the mailing list. And, to read the monthly Meetinghouse Messenger (newsletter) on the web or to find past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.

Sunday - 27 April - Celebration of Religious Education: Telling Our Stories - Join us for this joyful intergenerational service as we welcome new members, honor our teachers and nurture the gifts of our children. An open house and reception in the classrooms will follow the 11 AM service.

Music - "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. ..." These words by Kahlil Gibran were famously sung by Sweet Honey In the Rock. The Chancel Choir offers this anthem at the 9:00 AM service focused on children. At 11:00 the Youth Choir sings a rocking "Oh Happy Day."

REflections on Children's Programming
Family Event: Sankofa Kuumba
Scholarships are available for families who wish to attend the Sankofa Kuumba event on April 26th. Please join us for this spectacular display of music and dance!

Request for Summer Storytellers
Help pass on the wisdom of our parents and grandparents to our children. We need people willing to volunteer to tell a story to our RE class this summer. Brush off your favorite bit of wisdom, your most exciting adventure, or even your tallest tale and share it with our children. Please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com for more information.

Middle School Field Trip
On May 4th, our 6-8 grade class will travel to the labyrinth in West Hartford Center. Details and permission slips to follow. Drivers are appreciated.

Religious Education Open House
Please join the students and teachers for an Open House on Sunday, April 27th after the RE Celebration Service at 11 AM. Come experience the spirit of our children and their pursuit of truth and meaning. Or just come for the cookies! - Gail M. Syring, DRE

A Word From The President - Planning for Fall, 2008 - You may remember that the focus of my April Meetinghouse Messenger newsletter column is Fall planning.

There is lots of it going on now, ranging from budgets to events to courses, and more. A key area with a good deal of participation is our Sunday programming, including schedules, worship services, music and related activities.

I think it is worth commenting on Sunday programming now, since you will find a separate write-up from Rev. BJ in this edition of The USH-Enews and have received a couple of emails recently from her about it.

Last fall the Board asked Rev. BJ to determine what the next iteration will be for Sunday programming, with concentrated research and advice from the Council on Spiritual Life (COSL), and perspectives on future hopes for USH from the entire congregation through a church-wide “Charette” planning process in March, 2008.

The Charette event produced high spirits, creative ideas, and the start of a vision of the congregation we can be in ten years, from the fifty-plus members who participated. (The report is available. )

The process of defining and refining our Sunday programming has been underway for quite some time now, some of it preceding Rev BJ’s arrival with us. Beginning in Winter, 2005 a number of task groups have been working on our Sunday programming. In addition, over the last year the Minister has met with many individuals and groups (including committees, youth, music, staff and others) to discuss perspectives and options prior to proposing a schedule.

I think there is a strong appreciation and concern for the implications changes (particularly schedule changes) bring. Rev. BJ, the staff and many others are working hard now to put in place the best possible 2008/9 Sunday programming. Please help us do that, and join in on one of the conversations on May 2, 3 or 4. If you are unable to attend, please don’t hesitate to contact BJ or me. - Bill Young, President phone: 233-3234 email: billyoung55@att.net

Envisioning the Future is now available on our website: BJ wrote to the congregation in a special edition USH-Enews to urge us to read and study the report and associated data. Subsequently, BJ announced her proposed plans for fall and now solicits comments to refine the plan. In seeking the report on the website, you may find it from the links under New Pages or Spiritual Life, under the link, Envisioning the Future.

In the next article, find BJ's plans and the dates for feedback-discussion of the proposals, which are not "set in stone." - DCN

Emergence and Evolution III - By Rev. BJ - After several long months of imagining our future and conferring with you, I have located what I think is a compass direction, though the specific destination is, of course, never perfectly clear. I include here one next step in that direction in a plan for Sunday programming, and some observations upon which the plan is based. I feel excited at sharing this information with you and look forward to brainstorming the strategies to create this ‘new look’ to Sundays in the Fall.

The Charette report summarized hundreds of remarks from congregants, finding these key hopes and visions of USH 2018:

My experience with you during the last two years leads me to suggest that our congregation (the sum of which includes and is more than the sum of individuals) has some core needs which we can begin to address more intentionally.

I believe that the following schedule – to start in September, 2008 – will move us toward addressing those needs and creating those visions:

9:30 - 1:00 - Time set apart for celebration of our shared life, and an invitation to guests to find their place among us

*Sermon and service order will be similar at both services. Choir and musicians are coordinating their schedules to address the goal of vibrant and participative music at both services. I expect that each service will take on a distinctive personality.

Child care for infants and toddlers is provided at both services, with full RE at early service and “Perennial Wisdom” for children aged four through grade three later service. Youth have full discretion to meet whenever they like.

Great Decisions will continue its traditional scheduling, meeting during the 9:30 worship service in Springtime. Other adult religious education programming will be considered for scheduling at 9:30 on a case by case basis.

The Meditation Hall will be an attractive space reserved for prayer/meditation throughout the morning.

Our chapel will be available for periodic Saturday or Sunday evening chapel services that reflect our diverse religious heritage.

I look forward to being with you all at one of three congregational conversations with me on May 2-7PM, 3-2 PM, and 4-6 PM. At least one Board Member, a Committee on Ministry member, and Nonviolent Communication facilitators will join us at each meeting.

Let There be Music - I wasn’t planning to report on Music Sunday. Who could presume to critique Bach and Mendelssohn? I was planning to put away my pad and pen and just let the music wash over me. But I couldn’t…So many good words from Rev. BJ, so much glorious music, so much old and new, so many thoughts and things to remember.

Rev. BJ, in introducing the USH’s 22-person choir—augmented by a wonderful 14-person orchestra, remarked that, “Without Bach, God would be diminished and without the choir, we would be diminished.” And the first hymn also put it into words: “Now lift your hearts, your voices raise…rejoice, give thanks and sing.”

In Sunday’s “Musical Call to Worship” were selections from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” Rev. BJ reminded the congregation that Elijah was a stern, unyielding prophet of God called to lead the Israelite people back to worship of their one true God. And, since Passover Sedar was held Saturday night, this transported me back to the Sedars of my childhood, where, at a special place during the service, the door to the outdoors was opened in hopes that Elijah would enter.

Rev. BJ also told a bit of Bach history. A man of faith and a devout Lutheran, Bach wrote more than 30 cantatas for church. The choir and orchestra presented Bach’s magnificent “Cantata No. 34: Oh Everlasting Fire.” Fire was also the theme of the Mendelssohn piece. Rev.BJ called fire a symbol of the holy spirit that fills us and makes us aware of the fierce passionate love that creates a bond.

A new sound on an old instrument was part of Sunday’s music. Our versatile Ken Bartschi, when not singing with the choir, Sunday, gave the first public performance on a harpsichord which was constructed long ago by choir director Mattie Banzhaf’s father and was reconstructed this winter by Ralph and Louise Schmoll.

Noah Webster School Partnership - Have you thought about volunteering to help out in our partnership with Noah Webster School but thought you couldn’t do it because of your work schedule? Yes, tutoring does take place during the weekday and it’s a weekly commitment, but there are other opportunities at the school that can be tailored to your schedule and don’t necessarily require a regular commitment on your part. You can even help out just once.

Recently we talked with Heather Zottola and Teresa Webber who coordinate the “venture” programs at Noah Webster. They sent us the following information about the program which you might want to look over. If you’re thinking about helping out in a venture, you should contact either of them directly to discuss the possibilities.

If you have any other questions about our partnership, you can contact Shai Cassell or Bill LaPorte-Bryan.

Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School - Dolores Cole, Principal - 5 Cone Street - Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 695-5380 dcole@hartfordschools.org

Noah Webster School has become a magnet school with the theme of “MicroSociety.” In a MicroSociety, students have the opportunity to enhance student learning by transforming the traditional school model into a miniature society. Students work at ‘jobs’ three days a week in our own student-run bank, court system, peacekeepers, newspaper, Post Office, museums, travel agencies and other service ventures. In these roles, students earn wages paid in the school’s currency, settle disputes in court, borrow money from the bank, pay taxes and rent, and purchase services and goods produced by their peers.

A critical part of a MicroSociety is establishing partnerships with individuals who have an interest they can share with the students or a hobby that coincides with one of our many ventures. As our MicroSociety citizens are learning the basics of running a business while incorporating their academics, there is nothing more valuable than having someone from the community share their advice and assistance.

Please feel free to contact Heather or Teresa in Noah Webster’s magnet office at 695-5395 if you are interested in participating in our MicroSociety. Getting our larger community involved will benefit not only our students, but the community at large.

Thank you for your interest in helping our students. Please visit our school website:

Unitarian Society of Hartford Presents SANKOFA KUUMBA, An African Dance and Drumming Event for the Entire Family Saturday, April 26th at 7 PM Special Offer! Sankofa Kuumba, the Hartford-based dancing and drumming performance, will be here at our Meeting House this Saturday evening at 7:00 PM. Thanks to *your* generosity we have invited a number of children from The Village to attend free. The event will be more exciting if we have a sizeable audience. Please come join us on a "pay what you will" basis. We want to bring Sankofa's messages of respect for the community and honoring the cultural traditions of Africa and the African diaspora to everyone. There will be surprises and artistic energy abounding. Don't worry about your wallet - Come join the fun! Here is a flyer.

Fellowship Hall Artists - remember to take your paintings from Fellowship Hall on Sunday after the service or as soon thereafter as possible, and thanks for the successful show!

A Cappella Magic & Barbershop Harmony starring Men In Black with the Perilhettes from Miss Porter's School - Sunday, April 27th at 7 PM Tickets $15 (860) 233-9897 More

Our USH Photo Directory –Is your Photo missing from the USH Photo Directory? Are you unhappy with the photo that is there now?

Opportunity for new photos and retakes during the noon Coffee hour today.
David Newton will be awaiting you in Fellowship Hall – if you don’t know him, just look for the man with the camera!

If you want a photo taken and are unable to stay, sign up on the clipboard at the upstairs Welcome Table or email David at dcnewton@ushartford.com and you will be contacted. More

Disabilities Sunday Collection to go to the Chrysalis Center, Inc. - In celebration of our annual Disabilities Sunday service on May 4, led by Rev. Jamestone and during which three members of our congregation will speak about their experiences with mental health disorders, our offering of gifts will be donated to the Chrysalis Center, Inc. The Chrysalis Center is a private, non-profit healthcare agency providing rehabilitation and health care supports to individuals and families confronting homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and/or poverty in the Hartford and the Greater Hartford area.

The Chrysalis Center provides services that empower individuals and families to reintegrate successfully into the community and to foster positive change. Please give generously to this agency, which echoes our commitment to the values of equity, dignity, respect, and interdependence. - Carolyn Cartland

Women's Alliance 2008 Education Grant Applications - The UAMW of USH is pleased to announce that their Educational Grant applications are available during the month of May. More

From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: Have you given some thought to a topic or interest that you would like to offer or suggest be part of the Adult Programs curriculum next fall? Proposal forms are available in the office and at the USH website under Adult Programs. Also, on Sundays at the Programs table, please share your thoughts and ideas with an AP Sub-Council member. There are copies of Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Life and Respectful Parents Respectful Kids, 7 keys to Turn Family Conflict Into Cooperation available at the Book Cart for $15 each. These books were used in conjunction with recent USH Nonviolent Communication programs. In the meantime there are several programs of interest early in May.

A Walk in Old Wethersfield, Sunday May 4, 3-4:30 PM (rain date, Sunday, May 18). Join USH members Betty Arnold and Ed Richardson for a walk in historic Old Wethersfield. Betty, past Education Coordinator of the Wethersfield Historical Society, will lead the walk and tell stories of the people and architecture. Ed, one of the foremost tree experts in New England and a member of the Notable Tree Committee of CT, will point out notable features of the trees along the way. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! There is no fee but please register so we'll know how many will be attending.

Friday Dinner and Movie, May 9. The featured movie will be "Battle of Algiers". "The chafing, mutually uncomprehending collision of Western occupiers and Muslim occupied has never been captured with such dispassionate, thrilling clarity." Boston Globe

Ember Days will be celebrated Wednesday, May 14,12- 2 PM, Friday and Saturday, May 16, 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Led by Rev. Jamestone, this fourth seasonal observance will include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence. Come to any or all of the sessions. No registration needed.

Caring Network - No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. – Aesop
- If you know of any member experiencing some difficulty, please contact Diana Heymann, Chair of the Caring Network(heydiana(at symbol)comcast.net) 860.461.0908 or call the office so we can provide some assistance.

A wide range of community services is also available to those in need by calling InfoLine at 211. Please contact Diana if you are able to volunteer your services.

Help plan a picnic and - The annual business meeting this year will hopefully include a revival of the end of year picnic some of you have loved in past, AND the introduction of something from BJ's past she refers to as "sin."

On the Calendar

Thursday, April 24
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 pm BTWWDA, Fellowship Hall

Friday, April 25
5:30 pm Family Friendly SGM, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary

Saturday, April 26
10:30 am Rental, Chapel
7:00 pm Sankofa Kuumba Dance and Drumming, Sanctuary

Sunday, April 27
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm Photo Directory Pictures Taken, Fellowship Hall
12:30 pm SGM Facilitators, Servetus
1:00 pm Council on Social Justice, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
4:00 pm Worship Associates Training, Emerson
7:00 pm UPA Capella, Sanctuary

Monday, April 28
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Servetus
7:00 pm NVC 4 Practice, Emerson

Tuesday, April 29
7:00 pm Working with Nonviolence, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, April 30
2:45 pm Rental, Library
5:15 pm Tai Chi for Health, Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:30 pm NVC practice group, Emerson

Thursday, May 1
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary

Friday, May 2
1:00 pm Transitional Group, Library
5:30 pm SGM for Families, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Round Table with Rev. BJ, Chapel

Saturday, May 3
2:00 pm Round Table with Rev. BJ, Chapel
Evening Circle Dinners, various homes

Sunday, May 4
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Youth Soup Making, Kitchen
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Worship Associates Training, Emerson
1:30 pm Eat by Choice, Not by Habit, Servetus
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
5:30 pm UU Singles potluck, Library
6:00 pm Round Table with Rev BJ, Chapel

Italicized entries are non-USH events.
Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this Link to all our scheduled events!

External Events and Educational Notes

Unnatural Causes - The CT Women's Health Campaign is holding a community conversation on the PBS documentary "Unnatural Causes" on April 29th. It deals with the social determinants of health including race, class, ethnicity, income.

A Benefit Concert Cynthia Alan Wolcott & Guests Featuring roots music to Rogers & Hart, Fiddle tunes to 4-part harmony - Sunday April 30, 2008 at 4PM Universalist Unitarian Church 433 Fern Street West Hartford, CT 860-233-3669 Donation $10/adult $5/students. (Proceeds Benefit the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

Universalists of West Hartford present a Concert featuring Paul Winter's Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) May 3rd. - Hope that your spring is going well. I know there are many events out there competing for your attention---but wanted to be sure you knew about ours. It is on Saturday May 3, 7 PM at the Universalist Church 433 Fern St West Hartford. We hope to have a few scores available at the door for rent---if you know the work and wish to join in. Or send on this email to anyone who you think might enjoy attending.

The Universalist Church Music Department, Music Committee, and Green Sanctuary Committee are hosting a concert featuring Paul Winter's Missa Gaia (Earth Mass). Donations are $15 adult and $10 senior/students and will defray the cost of the instrumentalists.

The work was premiered in 1981 at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in NYC and is beloved of followers of the Paul Winter Consort and their work. We are fortunate to have one of Winter's collaborators, acclaimed composer/singer/acoustic guitarist, Jim Scott, performing with us for both the "Celebrate Earth" Concert on Saturday May 3 at 7 PM and at both services on Sunday May 4. As a prelude to both services 9 and 11 AM on Sunday morning, Music Director Cheryl Wadsworth, will perform a rarely heard organ work by Jim based on the Missa Gaia themes.

Known to many as the voice on the Paul Winter Consort's 'Common Ground'. Jim has created and performed classical and jazz music around the world. His activism for ecology and peace continues to be obvious in his music. A committed Universalist Unitarian, Jim was co-chair of the Seventh Principle Project which formulated the Green Sanctuary program. It is fitting that our own Green Sanctuary committee will be providing a light vegetarian meal (we hope localvore!) for the performers before the Saturday concert.

Come celebrate the earth with us, and the wolves and whales on Music Sunday Weekend, May 3 and 4. - Cheryl Wadsworth

A Matter of Opinion: (space for comment on USH issues from members and friends) - Editor retains the right to make minor changes – letters should be issue oriented

Did You Know? - CT has an organization which has honest, up to date information re: funeral home costs, options, suggestions. It is called The Funeral Consumer Alliance. There is a copy of current information available in the office at the Meeting House. It's with the Aging Resources brochures.